T20 World Cup 2024: 3 players who can replace Shivam Dube in India's playing XI - Cricket Winner

Shivam Dube’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup has been underwhelming, with scores of 0, 3, 31, and 10. Despite his consistency in the IPL over the past three seasons, Dube has struggled to make a significant impact on the international stage. As India gears up for the crucial Super Eight clashes, it’s imperative to evaluate potential replacements who can bolster the team’s chances of success.

Shivam Dube’s performance analysis

Shivam Dube, known for his explosive batting and handy medium-pace bowling, has not lived up to expectations in the T20 World Cup. In contrast, his IPL performances have been noteworthy, with Dube showing his prowess in the shorter format. However, the transition from IPL to the T20 World Cup has not been smooth for the all-rounder.

3 potential replacements for Shivam Dube

Given Dube’s struggles, it’s time to consider potential replacements who can bring stability and firepower to India’s playing XI. Three players stand out as viable options: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh.

1. Sanju Samson: The Wicketkeeper-Batter

Sanju Samson, the star wicketkeeper-batter, has been on the bench throughout the tournament, with Rishabh Pant playing as the first-choice keeper. Samson, after years of inconsistent runs with the national team, finally earned his spot in the India T20 World Cup squad this year. His exceptional performances, both with the bat and behind the stumps, led the Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs in the recent IPL season.

If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough. Samson’s ability to play aggressive cricket, coupled with his experience, makes him a strong candidate to replace Dube. He can stabilize the middle order and provide the required impetus in the death overs.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Swashbuckling Opener

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the swashbuckling left-handed opener, has been benched in the T20 World Cup because Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been opening for India. However, looking at the current form of Shivam Dube, Jaiswal could be a good option.

Jaiswal can open the innings for India with the skipper, allowing Virat Kohli to play at number three. Alternatively, the team management can try Jaiswal at number three or four to test the young batter’s temperament. His aggressive style and ability to play both pace and spin make him a versatile option.

3. Rinku Singh: The Finisher

Rinku Singh has established credentials as a T20 finisher, both for India and in franchise cricket. He strikes at 148 in all T20s and at 176 for India; the latter, while averaging 89 (he has got out only four times in 11 innings). In other words, he has scored rapidly in the death overs without getting out.

Dube’s numbers may read slightly inferior to Rinku’s (all T20 143, T20I 145), but since 2022, he has transformed himself into a six-hitting machine in the IPL. Since the start of 2022, he strikes at 151 in the league, while his 77 sixes over this period are 10 clear of anyone else’s tally. In IPL 2024, Dube has amassed 350 runs at 172 – significantly superior to Rinku’s tally of 123 at 150.

Rinku’s superior credentials at the international level, especially in a T20I career between August 2023 and January 2024, make him a formidable replacement. He is in the reserved squad and is traveling with Team India, making him a viable option to finish games as India approaches the Super Eight clash.